INTRODUCING PAUL McCROHAN OAM
Vietnam veteran Paul McCrohan OAM has dedicated decades to education, sports administration, and veterans’ affairs. His commitment spans 48 years in teaching, extensive RSL leadership, and passionate advocacy for remembering veterans’ sacrifices through school engagement and welfare programs.
How long have you been a member of our Club?
I was a member of Tramways East Melbourne (TEM) for around thirty-five years, and Camberwell RSL since the amalgamation.
What motivated you to become involved with the RSL?
The motivation was to catch up with my 2nd Platoon 3rd Royal Australian Regiment (3 RAR) members, many of whom were at TEM.
What’s your favourite part of being a member?
The camaraderie – socialising with them and their partners.
Could you tell us about your service experience in Vietnam with 3 RAR?
I kickstarted my National Service journey right on my 21st birthday! After completing Recruit Training at Puckapunyal in Victoria, I moved on to Infantry Corp Training over in Singleton, NSW. From there, I was posted to the 3rd Battalion RAR at Woodside, South Australia.
In December 1967, I set sail from Port Adelaide aboard HMAS Canberra, heading for Vung Tau. We celebrated Christmas Day out on the water before arriving at our destination on December 27th. During that voyage, I kept busy with some valuable training – picked up basics in Vietnamese interpretation and even got to learn some demolition techniques!
After [the Battle of] Long Tan, the decision was made to increase the Task Force to a third battalion. Consequently, our battalion had to set out perimeter wires, dig weapon pits, command post, erect and sandbag tents, all while patrolling and undergoing shakedown operations with Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), Iroquois and Chinook choppers.
“A” Coy, 3 RAR experienced a huge workload – the Tet Offensive in Baria, Fire Support Base Anderson and the Battle of Fire Support Bases ‘Coral/Balmoral’, which was documented as the “longest, bloodiest battle of Australia’s involvement”.
When I finally left South Vietnam on November 5th, 1968, on a Qantas flight home, I was more than ready for a much-needed extended leave! Throughout that entire year, I’d only had five days of R&R in Singapore and a quick two days of R&C leave in Vung Tau. I was officially discharged at Watsonia on January 31st, 1969, after which I went straight back into teaching following a one-month refresher course with the Education Department.
Do you have any advice for veterans transitioning to civilian life?
The RSL continues to play a vital role in supporting veterans’ health and welfare. My advice to those transitioning out of service would be to gather all the guidance you can from the Defence Department before discharge, then connect with the Department of Veteran Affairs. If you run into any challenges along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out to an advocate who can help guide you forward on your journey.
How did your military service influence your later community work?
On leaving the army I was very fit, and not being overly skilled at football, I decided to stay in the game by field-umpiring in the Preston District Junior Football Association. After 10 years, I was made a Life Member. Later, having bought a house in Lower Templestowe, I joined the Doncaster District Junior Football Association where again, after 10 years, I was made a Life Member.
Being a teacher who was heavily involved in school sports, I became a member of the Victorian Primary School Sports Association, later progressing to Finance Manager. Another Life Membership! A group of school principals from the sports association formed the tribunal of the Northern Football League and for 12 years I was a member there.
What inspired your extensive career in education?
After 48 years in the teaching service as a classroom teacher and Assistant Principal, I took early retirement only to be coaxed back for a 3-year half-time contract, followed by many years on one day a week as Assistant Principal. I enjoy gardening and have worked commercially with a friend for half days over many years. Consequently, the Commodore Ute is full of Stihl products!
What’s your vision for increasing school engagement with veterans’ history?
RSL sub-branches can foster school engagement through Anzac and Poppy Appeals. This approach raises funds while supporting school commemorative services and educating students about significant symbols like “The Poppy,” “The Last Post,” and “The Eternal Flame.”
Tell us a little about your family.
I’ve been married to Marg for fifty-four years – she’s a wonderful mother and teacher in Special Schools. We have three boys, all members of Camberwell RSL. Matt is Regional Director of Ambulance Victoria (Lodden Mallee). He’s married to Sarah, a teacher, and they have two boys. Nick is the Victorian Manager of Flight Centre. He’s married to property manager Laura, and they have two girls. Marcus is a Chartered Accountant with QMS, a digital marketing company.
What’s something about you (a fun fact) that few people know?
Members would know I have a small ski boat and all my family can water ski (albeit some retired due to neck injury or hip replacement). I do have an edge over my boys – they can do “dry starts” as I did, BUT they have not yet mastered a “bankie” on Lake Mulwala!
What’s the last book you’ve read?
I enjoy reading every night. The last book was The 6:20 Man by David Baldacci – a great read!
If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
It would be spaghetti Marinara. And I also cannot miss my daily visit to Café 130 in Templestowe for a hot chocolate.
Join the Camberwell RSL Family Today
Inspired by Paul’s story? You too can be part of a vibrant, welcoming community that honours the past, supports the present, and builds for the future. Whether you’re looking for connection, camaraderie, or simply a great place to relax — there’s a place for you here.
